The use of a simple flow cytometry method for rapid detection of spores in probiotic Bacillus licheniformis-containing tablets

Xiao-Ling Zheng,Zhi-Qiang Xiong,Jie-Qun Wu 한국식품과학회 2017 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.26 No.1

Detection of the number of vegetative cells and endospores is necessary for quality control during the production of orally administered probiotic Bacillus licheniformis-containing tablets (BCT). However, there is no standard method for the rapid detection of vegetative cells and endospores in China. In this study, a simple flow cytometry (FCM) method was used to monitor the population dynamics of BCT. Using a specific fluorescent stain, SYBR green I, flow cytometric analysis could easily differentiate two morphological states of B. licheniformis. Compared with plate count assay (PCA) for determining the number of vegetative cells and endospores, the percentage of endospores determined by FCM was ~10% higher than that by PCA. Advantages of the FCM method over conventional methods include lower labor work, shorter detection time, and higher accuracy. Therefore, this simple FCM method could be a practical tool for monitoring quality control during the production of probiotic BCT

Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Promotes Preinvasive and Invasive Estrogen Receptor-Positive Tumor Development in MMTV-erbB2 Mice

Chun Ling Zhao,Guang Ping Zhang,Zheng Zheng Xiao,Zhi Kun Ma,Cai Peng Lei,Shi Yuan Song,Ying Ying Feng,Ya Chao Zhao,Xiao Shan Feng 한국유방암학회 2015 Journal of breast cancer Vol.18 No.2

Purpose: We investigated whether recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) could promote the development of preinvasive and invasive breast cancer in mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV-erbB2) mice with estrogen receptor- positive tumors. Methods: MMTV-erbB2 mice were randomly divided into three experimental groups with 20 mice in each group. MMTV-erbB2 mice were treated with daily subcutaneous injections of vehicle or rhG-CSF (low-rhG-CSF group, rhG-CSF 0.125 μg; vehicle-rhG-CSF group, normal saline 0.25 μg; and high-rhG-CSF group, rhG-CSF 0.25 μg) at 3 months of age. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of G-CSF action in mammary glands were investigated via immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Low, but not high, rhG-CSF doses significantly accelerated mammary tumorigenesis in MMTV-erbB2 mice. Short-term treatment with rhG-CSF could significantly promote the development of preinvasive mammary lesions. The cancer prevention effect was associated with reduced expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cluster of differentiation 34, and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 in mammary glands by >80%. Conclusion: We found that G-CSF was regulated by rhG-CSF both in vitro and in vivo. Identification of G-CSF genes helped us further understand the mechanism by which G-CSF promotes cancer. Low doses of rhG-CSF could significantly increase tumor latency and increase tumor multiplicity and burden. Moreover, rhG-CSF effectively promotes development of both malignant and premalignant mammary lesions in MMTV-erbB2 mice.

Isolation and Characterization of Comprehensive Polychlorinated Biphenyl-Degrading Bacterium, Enterobacter sp. LY402

( Ling Yun Jia ),( Ai Ping Zheng ),( Xu Li ),( Xiao Dong Huang ),( Qing Zhang ),( Feng Lin Yang ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2008 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.18 No.5

Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in microwave ablation treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis

Xiao-Long Li,Jia-Xin Li,Song-Yuan Yu,Pei-Li Fan,Yun-Jie Jin,Er-Jiao Xu,Sai-Nan Guan,Er-Ya Deng,Qiu-Yan Li,Zheng-Biao Ji,Jiu-Ling Qi,Hui-Xiong Xu,China Alliance of Multi-Center Clinical Study for Ultra 대한초음파의학회 2024 ULTRASONOGRAPHY Vol.43 No.1

Purpose: This study evaluated the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between March 2020 and January 2023, enrolling 52 patients with symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis who had undergone MWA. All patients were examined with CEUS before and after MWA. The non-perfused volume (NPV) was compared between CEUS and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCEMRI) following ablation. Therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Additionally, this study explored the correlations between pre-treatment CEUS features and a volume reduction ratio indicating sufficient ablation, defined as 50% or more at the 3-month follow-up.Results: No significant differences in NPV were noted between CEUS and DCE-MRI immediately after MWA and during follow-up (all P>0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, the median VRRs for the uterus and adenomyosis were 33.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Sufficient ablation was achieved in 69.2% (36/52) of adenomyosis cases, while partial ablation was observed in the remaining 30.8% (16/52). The identification of non-enhancing areas on pre-treatment CEUS was associated with sufficient ablation (P=0.016). At the 12-month follow-up, significant decreases were observed in both the uterine and adenomyosis volumes (all P<0.001). Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were significantly alleviated at 12 months, and no major complications were encountered.Conclusion: CEUS can be used to evaluate the ablation zone of focal adenomyosis that has been treated with MWA, similarly to DCE-MRI. The identification of non-enhancing areas on pretreatment CEUS indicates satisfactory treatment outcomes. Purpose: This study evaluated the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between March 2020 and January 2023, enrolling 52 patients with symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis who had undergone MWA. All patients were examined with CEUS before and after MWA. The non-perfused volume (NPV) was compared between CEUS and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE- MRI) following ablation. Therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Additionally, this study explored the correlations between pre-treatment CEUS features and a volume reduction ratio indicating sufficient ablation, defined as 50% or more at the 3-month follow-up. Results: No significant differences in NPV were noted between CEUS and DCE-MRI immediately after MWA and during follow-up (all P>0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, the median VRRs for the uterus and adenomyosis were 33.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Sufficient ablation was achieved in 69.2% (36/52) of adenomyosis cases, while partial ablation was observed in the remaining 30.8% (16/52). The identification of non-enhancing areas on pre-treatment CEUS was associated with sufficient ablation (P=0.016). At the 12-month follow-up, significant decreases were observed in both the uterine and adenomyosis volumes (all P<0.001). Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were significantly alleviated at 12 months, and no major complications were encountered. Conclusion: CEUS can be used to evaluate the ablation zone of focal adenomyosis that has been treated with MWA, similarly to DCE-MRI. The identification of non-enhancing areas on pre- treatment CEUS indicates satisfactory treatment outcomes.

Autophagy inhibition contributes to epigallocatechin-3-gallate-mediated apoptosis in papillary thyroid cancer cells

Bu Ling,Zheng Tingting,Mao Chaoming,Fei Wu,Mou Xiao,Xu Chengcheng,Luo Xuan,Lu Qingyan,Dong Liyang,Wang Xuefeng 대한독성 유전단백체 학회 2021 Molecular & cellular toxicology Vol.17 No.4

Background Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is a natural polyphenolic compound that induces apoptosis in papillary thyroid cancer cells. However, its underlying molecular mechanism was not completely clarified. Objectives The present study demonstrated the role of apoptosis and autophagy in EGCG-treated papillary thyroid cancer cells and the relationship between these processes. Results EGCG significantly suppressed the viability of TPC-1 papillary thyroid cancer cells at an IC50 of 17.2 μM. EGCG induced TPC-1 cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at S phase and downregulated the protein expression of cyclin A and cyclin-dependent kinase-2. EGCG decreased reactive oxygen species levels, upregulated Bax expression, downregulated Bcl-2 expression and increased cytochrome C levels in the cytosol. Treatment with EGCG also increased the levels of cleaved caspase 3, cleaved caspase 9 and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. EGCG induced an autophagic response via the upregulation of the autophagy-related protein LC3-II and suppression of the AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. Autophagy inhibition further enhanced EGCG-induced cell apoptosis and ROS suppression, which indicated that autophagy played a cytoprotective role in EGCG-treated TPC-1 cells. Conclusion Taken together, these results demonstrated that autophagy inhibition was beneficial to EGCG–mediated apoptosis in papillary thyroid cancer cells. Background Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is a natural polyphenolic compound that induces apoptosis in papillary thyroid cancer cells. However, its underlying molecular mechanism was not completely clarified. Objectives The present study demonstrated the role of apoptosis and autophagy in EGCG-treated papillary thyroid cancer cells and the relationship between these processes. Results EGCG significantly suppressed the viability of TPC-1 papillary thyroid cancer cells at an IC50 of 17.2 μM. EGCG induced TPC-1 cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at S phase and downregulated the protein expression of cyclin A and cyclin-dependent kinase-2. EGCG decreased reactive oxygen species levels, upregulated Bax expression, downregulated Bcl-2 expression and increased cytochrome C levels in the cytosol. Treatment with EGCG also increased the levels of cleaved caspase 3, cleaved caspase 9 and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. EGCG induced an autophagic response via the upregulation of the autophagy-related protein LC3-II and suppression of the AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. Autophagy inhibition further enhanced EGCG-induced cell apoptosis and ROS suppression, which indicated that autophagy played a cytoprotective role in EGCG-treated TPC-1 cells. Conclusion Taken together, these results demonstrated that autophagy inhibition was beneficial to EGCG–mediated apoptosis in papillary thyroid cancer cells.

ACOX1 destabilizes p73 to suppress intrinsic apoptosis pathway and regulates sensitivity to doxorubicin in lymphoma cells

( Fei-meng Zheng ),( Wang-bing Chen ),( Tao Qin ),( Li-na Lv ),( Bi Feng ),( Yan-ling Lu ),( Zuo-quan Li ),( Xiao-chao Wang ),( Li-ju Tao ),( Hong-wen Li ),( Shu-you Li ) 생화학분자생물학회(구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2019 BMB Reports Vol.52 No.9

Lymphoma is one of the most curable types of cancer. However, drug resistance is the main challenge faced in lymphoma treatment. Peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in fatty acid β-oxidation. Deregulation of ACOX1 has been linked to peroxisomal disorders and carcinogenesis in the liver. Currently, there is no information about the function of ACOX1 in lymphoma. In this study, we found that upregulation of ACOX1 promoted proliferation in lymphoma cells, while downregulation of ACOX1 inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis. Additionally, overexpression of ACOX1 increased resistance to doxorubicin, while suppression of ACOX1 expression markedly potentiated doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, downregulation of ACOX1 promoted mitochondrial location of Bad, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and provoked apoptosis by activating caspase-9 and caspase-3 related apoptotic pathway. Overexpression of ACOX1 alleviated doxorubicin-induced activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential. Importantly, downregulation of ACOX1 increased p73, but not p53, expression. p73 expression was critical for apoptosis induction induced by ACOX1 downregulation. Also, overexpression of ACOX1 significantly reduced stability of p73 protein thereby reducing p73 expression. Thus, our study indicated that suppression of ACOX1 could be a novel and effective approach for treatment of lymphoma. [BMB Reports 2019; 52(9): 566-571]

Inferring Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in MicroRNA Binding Sites of Lung Cancer-related Inflammatory Genes

He, Fei,Zheng, Ling-Ling,Luo, Wen-Ting,Yang, Rong,Xu, Xiao-Qin,Cai, Lin Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.8

Single nucleotide polymorphisms located at microRNA (miRNA)-binding sites are likely to affect the expression of miRNA targets and may contribute to the susceptibility of humans to common diseases. Here 335 candidate lung cancer-related inflammatory genes were selected according to the existing literature and database. We identified putative miRNA-binding sites of 149 genes by specialised algorithms and screened SNPs in the 3'UTRs of these genes. By calculating binding free energy, we sorted 269 SNPs on the basis of the possibility of prediction. The proposed approach could help to easy the identification of functionally relevant SNPs and minimize the workflow and the costs.

Isolation, Purification, and Characterization of a Thermostable Xylanase from a Novel Strain, Paenibacillus campinasensis G1-1

( Hong Chen Zheng ),( Yi Han Liu ),( Xiao Guang Liu ),( Jian Ling Wang ),( Ying Han ),( Fu Ping Lu ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2012 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.22 No.7

High levels of xylanase activity (143.98 IU/ml) produced by the newly isolated Paenibacillus campinasensis G1-1 were detected when it was cultivated in a synthetic medium. A thermostable xylanase, designated XynG1-1, from P. campinasensis G1-1 was purified to homogeneity by Octyl-Sepharose hydrophobic-interaction chromatography, Sephadex G75 gel-filter chromatography, and Q-Sepharose ion-exchange chromatography, consecutively. By multistep purification, the specific activity of XynG1-1 was up to 1,865.5 IU/mg with a 9.1-fold purification. The molecular mass of purified XynG1-1 was about 41.3 kDa as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Sequence analysis revealed that XynG1-1 containing 377 amino acids encoded by 1,134 bp genomic sequences of P. campinasensis G1-1 shared 96% homology with XylX from Paenibacillus campinasensis BL11 and 77%~78% homology with xylanases from Bacillus sp. YA- 335 and Bacillus sp. 41M-1, respectively. The activity of XynG1-1 was stimulated by Ca2+, Ba2+, DTT, and β- mercaptoethanol, but was inhibited by Ni2+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Zn2+, SDS, and EDTA. The purified XynG1-1 displayed a greater affinity for birchwood xylan, with an optimal temperature of 60oC and an optimal pH of 7.5. The fact that XynG1-1 is cellulose-free, thermostable (stability at high temperature of 70oC~80oC), and active over a wide pH range (pH 5.0~9.0) suggests that the enzyme is potentially valuable for various industrial applications, especially for pulp bleaching pretreatment.

Meta-analysis of the Efficacy of Sorafenib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Wang, Zhao,Wu, Xiao-Ling,Zeng, Wei-Zheng,Xu, Gui-Sen,Xu, Hui,Weng, Min,Hou, Juan-Ni,Jiang, Ming-De Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.2

Purpose: By carrying out a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared sorafenib or combined chemotherapy with placebo or combined chemotherapy, the effectiveness of sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma was evaluated in the present study, which also provided clinical practice guidelines of evidence-based-medicine. Methods: We reviewed PubMed citations concerning sorafenib treating hepatocellular carcinoma in randomized controlled trials from Jan 2000 to July 2012. All the literature was extracted by Cochrane systematic reviews and underwent meta-analysis with RewMan 5.0 software. Results: Finally, four papers documenting randomized controlled studies were included. Compared with controls, sorafenib was shown to significantly increase overall survival (OS), time to progression (TTP), and disease control rates (DCR), but not the time to symptom progression (TTSP) in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The incidence of grade-III/IV adverse reactions, including hand-foot-skin reactions, diarrhea, hypertension and skin rash or desquamation, in sorafenib treatment group was higher than that in controls. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of hypodynamia between the two groups. Conclusions: Sorafenib exerts significant curative effects in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Statistical Optimization of Medium Components for Milk-Clotting Enzyme Production by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens D4 Using Wheat Bran-an Agro-Industry Waste

( Wei Bing Zhang ),( Xiao Ling He ),( Hong Na Liu ),( Hui Yuan Guo ),( Fa Zheng Ren ),( Wei Dong Gao ),( Peng Cheng Wen ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2013 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.23 No.8

In this paper, two statistical methods were applied to optimize medium components to improve the production of the milk-clotting enzyme by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens D4. First, wheat bran juice, skim milk powder, and Na2HPO4 were shown to have significant effects on D4 enzyme production using the Plackett?Burman experimental design. Subsequently, an optimal medium was obtained using the Box?Behnken method, which consisted of 3.31 g/l of skim milk powder, 5.0 g/l of sucrose, 0.1 g/l of FeSO4?7H2O, 0.1 g/l of MgSO4?7H2O, 0.1 g/l of MnSO4?2H2O, 0.1 g/l of ZnSO4?7H2O, 1.52 g/l of Na2HPO4, and 172.45 g/l of wheat bran juice. With this optimal medium, the milk-clotting enzyme production was remarkably enhanced. The milk-clotting enzyme activity reached 3,326.7 SU/ml after incubation of 48 h, which was 1.76-fold higher than that of the basic medium, showing that the Plackett?Burman design and Box?Behnken response surface method are effective to optimize medium components, and B. amyloliquefaciens D4 possessed a high rennet-producing capacity in the optimal medium.